Lok Sabha’s approval on February 8, 2024, for the Water Pollution Bill Amendment marks a crucial advancement in environmental governance, following Rajya Sabha’s prior endorsement.
On Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Lok Sabha approved the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, marking a significant step in environmental governance. Prior to this, the Rajya Sabha had already passed the bill, paving the way for a thorough revamp of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
ALSO READ: RBI Governor: “Sufficient time given” | On Action Against Paytm Payments Bank
The main focus of the Bill is to streamline criminal penalties, particularly addressing minor, technical, or procedural lapses that do not pose substantial risks to humans or the environment. Presented in the Rajya Sabha on February 5 and promptly approved the following day, this legislation introduces essential amendments to enhance the management of water pollution.
An impactful change brought about by the Bill is the decriminalization of minor offenses. Rather than resorting to imprisonment, the legislation opts for monetary penalties for persistent violations. The responsibility for adjudicating these penalties lies with designated officers, holding a rank no lower than Joint Secretary to the Government of India or Secretary to the State government.
Furthermore, the Bill grants the Central government the authority to define the process for appointing the Chairpersons of State Pollution Control Boards. This step aims to enhance governance by implementing a more organized approach, ensuring efficient leadership and supervision. The legislation also incorporates provisions for exempting certain industrial plants from specific regulations and outlines criteria for granting, refusing, or revoking consent for various industrial operations.
ALSO READ: BREAKING | Uttarakhand Passes The Uniform Civil Code Bill (UCC), Awaiting The Governor’s Approval
The new law brings in stricter penalties for not following rules on new outlets, discharges, and sewage disposal. The fines collected will go to the Environmental Protection Fund, created in 1986, emphasizing a clear commitment to funding environmental conservation through deterring rule violations. As per the Bill, penalties for breaches involving the release of pollutants into water bodies vary from ten thousand rupees to 15 lakh rupees. This financial disincentive is expected to serve as a potent tool in discouraging activities detrimental to water ecosystems.
The new proposal suggests a change in how State Pollution Control Board chairpersons are chosen. Currently, it’s done by the State government, but the bill aims to shift this responsibility to the Central government for a more uniform and clear process. To start, these changes will first apply to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Union Territories. This step-by-step approach allows for a focused application of the new rules, addressing the unique needs of these areas.
Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Namami Gange Project, urging collective action for environmental awareness. He assured that guidelines under the Bill respect State Pollution Control Boards’ rights, emphasizing transparency. Yadav also stressed mindful resource use over artificial intelligence, noting one lakh water bodies identified under Amrit Sarovar, including 75 lakes in Ramsar sites.
ALSO READ: Parliamentary Committee Urges Enhanced Funding for Legal Aid in India
During the discussion, Congress’s Manickam Tagore expressed concerns about the Bill conflicting with the federal nature of the country. BJP’s Shankar Lalwani supported it, attributing reduced pollution levels to government measures. Other active participants included Supriya Sule, D M Kathir Anand, N K Premachandran, Geetha Viswanath Vanga, and Pratima Mondal.
The Bill passed, and the House adjourned, marking progress towards a more environmentally conscious future.
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
